6 Homecoming (2/2)

Noriko is drinking her soda, sitting on the sidewalk in front of the school. Between her feet there are six empty cans and a dozen sheets of paper, all full of writings from top to bottom.

<Two hundred and sixty-five> Jane says, approaching her friend.

<It's not accurate. It needs to be adjusted for age and other variables> Noriko clarifies.

<So what's your real IQ, genius?>

<Unlikely to be measured in a meaningful way.>

<Come on, Nori, talk to me. The least you can do is tell me what's happening.>

<Stop calling me that.>

<What?>

<I'm not Nori anymore. I am Null> Noriko answers, standing up and showing her friend a sheet of paper with the same symbol she used to sign the test. A slashed zero.

<Noriko is a drop in the ocean and I feel like I'm drowning. There's so much stuff in my head now I feel like it can explode if I relax for a second. I am Null; I must be Null.>

<Nori, you're scaring me now. Nothing you say makes any sense, you know that?>

Noriko smiles and shakes Jane's hand.

<Of course. Null knows everything. Goodbye, Jane Blake, you were a good friend.>

Just like that, Noriko leaves. Jane still can't believe they're having this conversation. Noriko has always had her quirks, but she sounds crazy now. Would a crazy person become that smart that quickly?

<Where are you going?> she asks.

<I'm leaving high school> Noriko answers without even looking back.

<What!? Why?>

<I don't want anyone else to be caught in the explosion.>

<What does that even mean!?> Jane insists.

xcuse me> a female voice interrupts. Jane turns towards it, looking at the impossibly beautiful woman with long red hair and no shoes.

<Vesta. My father asked to come here, I suppose.>

<Well, yes. He's very worried about you... are you okay?>

<Better than okay. Way better. Follow me> Noriko orders, walking away from the school without giving Jane any more attention. Vesta seems conflicted, hesitating before following Noriko, but after mouthing a polite ”I'm sorry” to Jane she complies with the request.

<That was very rude, Null. What about your friend?>

<She'll get over it. I'm sorry if that makes me sound cold, but there are larger issues at hand.>

<Such as?>

Noriko looks at her; the silver eyes shine in a way that make her understand she means business.

<You're a goddess.>

<Don't say it out loud> Vesta whispers, looking around to make sure nobody heard her.

<Why not?>

<It's not something I'd like to go public. I try to keep a low profile.>

<You didn't seem to have much trouble telling me.>

<Well yeah but... you already knew. And you can be quite intimidating with that eye thing, despite being... well...>

<If you're looking for a politically correct way to say ”mortal”, don't bother. And you shouldn't be ashamed of what you are: without you, the Many would've gained the Heart Of The Universe. Speaking of which, are you familiar with them?>

<I've seen creatures like them a few times, but nothing so advanced.>

<Interesting. The work of another god?>

<How did he ask you, anyway?>

<I gave him my number.>

<You literally met him yesterday and he's already... who am I kidding, you're an attractive woman, of course he got your number without even trying> she rolls her eyes.

<He just reminds me of one of my brothers, that's all> Vesta replies defensively, although Noriko notices she's still blushing. Again, something she should've seen coming.

<Anyway, I wanted to thank you for stopping the Many, and to tell you that I'm leaving the city.>

<What? Why?>

<That's the dumbest idea I've ever heard. You will stay here, and you will help me.>

<Help you with what?>

<Vesta, you're easily the most powerful being on the planet, and you work as a waitress. Why don't you use your powers in a more productive way?>

<I tried. Believe me, I did. But the world just isn't ready.>

Noriko smiles at her, while her eyes shine brightly. It's the smile of a person who has just figured out how to accomplish the impossible.

<Then let's fix the world together, shall we?>